In the Midst of the Storm

“Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.  They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away.  They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end.  

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.  He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.  They were glad when it grew calm, 
and he guided them to their desired haven.  Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.  Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
 and praise him in the council of the elders.” (Psalm 107:23-32 NIV)

Those of us living in the eastern quarter of the country are experiencing an historic storm.  From the Carolinas up the eastern seaboard, Hurricane Sandy is bringing record snow and rainfall, and record flooding. Fortunately, where I live we still have electricity, though the wind is gusting furiously and snow is falling sideways.  But other areas are not faring as well.  Damage from wind and flooding is extensive.  

It is in the midst of a storm like Sandy that we realize how small and vulnerable we are, and how dependent on the Lord.  When life is good, we can tend to feel secure and often that security leads us to a lack of appreciation for the Lord.  We can easily forget who is behind that security.  Like a small child who wanders off from a parent and turns suddenly to find mom or dad out of sight, we quickly realize our need for the presence of the Lord.  

This psalm, in its entirety, tells stories of vulnerable and needy people crying out to the Lord.  They are experiencing various storms in their lives and plead for rescue.  The writer tells of the Lord’s faithfulness in rescuing them.  He then encourages them to give thanks to God for saving them from the peril of the storm.

What about you?  Are you in the midst of a storm in your life?  Then cry out to God and He will come to your rescue.  And when you are once again safe, don’t forget to thank Him for what He has done, and let it be a reminder of how much you need Him. 

© Jim Musser 2012